Richard Branson's piece of heaven

Mark FurlerMark Furler is APN Australian Regional Media’s group digital editor. He’s an award-winning journalist who has lived and worked on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for more than 25 years. He’s passionate about fighting for a better go for locals. His awards include APN Editor of the Year, and involvement in three PANPA Newspaper of the Year wins for the Sunshine Coast Daily.

The star centrepiece of the island is a 500,000 litre lagoon pool with lap lane, dive spots and 15-person spa.

You can quickly imagine yourself reading a book as you kick back in one of the chairs that dangle over the bright blue water.

A two-storey wantilan overlooks the pool and river and features Balinese style lounges complete with silk furnishings.

The island does not have a liquor licence so it's a BYO affair although staff can order in whatever you need before you arrive.

Nick landed his dream job after managing a resort in the British Virgin Islands where Richard Branson owned a neighbouring resort.

"His mecca would get booked out so often that the poor guy could not stay on his own island,'' Mr Jones told the Daily.

Sir Richard and Virgin Blue co-founder Brett Godfrey developed their private Noosa getaway over several years.

The buildings were designed and constructed in Bali and shipped here to be reassembled.

All the furnishings, sculptures, antiques and lighting are one-off pieces acquired in Bali, Java and elsewhere in Indonesia.

"They were looking to create a special place in a very special part of the world and they have certainly achieved that,'' Nick said.

While Sir Richard's busy schedule means he's only an occasional visitor, Mr Godfrey, who is based in Melbourne, often brings his family and friends up.

"You can step away from the rat race, look across the Noosa River, wake up in the morning and have a little fish,'' Nick says of the simple charms.

Sir Richard loves the view across the river.

Nick says the resort is hoping delicate negotiations may see it win council support to host small weddings but is mindful of not upsetting a couple of neighbours across the river. After all, they like the quiet life too.